How common is persistent headache in pituitary tumour?

The pituitary gland sits at the base of the brain near structures involved in vision and hormone control. A pituitary tumour may cause headache through local pressure or changes in nearby tissues. Some pituitary tumours also affect hormone production, so a clinician may ask about symptoms such as altered periods, changes in sexual function, unusual thirst, changes in body size, fatigue or milk production unrelated to breastfeeding.

These features do not diagnose a pituitary tumour, but they help decide whether focused hormone tests, an eye assessment or imaging may be useful.

See a clinician for a headache that is persistent, changing or difficult to manage, particularly when it is paired with visual symptoms or hormonal changes. Bring a list of medicines and a timeline of symptoms. Describe whether peripheral vision seems reduced, whether you have double vision, and whether the headache has changed in intensity or timing.

If you already have a pituitary tumour diagnosis, contact the care team before making changes to hormone medicines or pain relief plans.

Seek urgent medical attention for sudden intense headache with vomiting, reduced alertness, double vision, a sudden visual change, new weakness, collapse or seizure. A rapid change in headache together with visual or neurological symptoms needs prompt assessment.

Ask whether your symptoms could warrant pituitary hormone testing, a visual field examination or a scan, how results will be explained, and which changes should lead you to seek urgent care.